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Selby’s Cove is a well-known feature in the Simonside Hills. It is not surprising that many good lines were climbed early in Northumberland climbing history but by whom is not recorded. The Corner, Holly Tree Wall, The Arete, Overhanging Chimney and The Traverse were all included in the 1950 guide. The fine Overhanging Groove (with the traverse start) succumbed to Eric Rayson, David Moy and Frank Montgomery during Easter 1964. The crag saw little development until 1976 when John Earl on the day before his 30th birthday and reliving his youth, finished with the Roaring 20’s. The fine Bowline and technical Fosbury’s Crack fell to Bob Hutchinson and John Earl also in the mid seventies. In 1978 Tommy Smith accompanied by brother Bob just beat Paul Stewart to the first free ascent of Holly Tree Corner and in 1984 Peter Kirton, accompanied by Andy Moss (recorded as A. Non. A Moss) took his bouldering to new heights with the ascent of Fosbury’s Crack Direct Finish. There was no further development for 11 years until Tim Catterall added a direct finish to Holly Tree corner in 1995.
First Ascent List| 1964 |  | Overhanging Groove, HVS | Eric Rayson, Frank Montgmery | | | With David Moy | | 27 August 1975 | | Holly Tree Corner, E2 | Gordon Thompson, Kevin Watt  | | 1976 | | The Roaring 20's 10m, E1 5b | John Earl | | 29 December 1977 | | Bowline, E3 | Bob Hutchinson, John Earl | | 1979ish | | Fosbury's Crack, E2 5c | Bob Hutchinson, John Earl | | 1980ish | | Direct Finish, 6b | Pete Kirton, Andy Moss | | 21 June 1980 | | Direct Start, 5b | Bob Smith | | 21 June 1980 | | Giants Fall 9m, HVS 5b | Bob Smith | | 21 June 1980 | | Low Level Girdle, HVS | Bob Smith, Pete Kirton | | 2000ish | | Direct Finish, 5c | Tim Catterall | | 23 March 2003 | | Direct Start, 5c | Steve Crowe, Karin Magog | | | Both led |
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